Style Guide: What to Wear on Graduation Day
The time of graduation is close at hand and you're probably feeling a combination of excitement and wild butterflies in your stomach. But before you march across that stage and take your next step towards adulthood, you'll want to ensure you are picture-perfect for the big day!
What to wear for your graduation day is contingent upon a few different factors. First and foremost, you want to ensure you are following any specific guidelines provided to you by your school. You wouldn't want to make a fabulous fashion statement if it hindered your ability to partake in the ceremony. You also want to consider if the ceremony is going to be an earlier or a later affair. The time of the ceremony will determine how formal your under-gown attire should be. If it is a morning/afternoon ceremony then a more casual approach would be deemed appropriate. If it is an evening ceremony, then perhaps a little more formal is suitable, or even expected.
With all the formalities set aside, the one true question remains--what do you wear under that shapeless gown?! In a general sense, a relative formal dress or a nice blouse teamed with a lightweight skirt or tailored pant is the easiest choice. You want to wear something that you can also wear in post-celebration photo opportunities. A classy pair of shoes will round out an outfit but make sure you're not likely to trip up in them when it's your turn on stage.
Think business casual dress but also be sure to keep the color scheme of your gown in mind too. For example, dark or bright colors may show through a white gown. Your pick should also be short enough not to peek out below your gown, yet dressy enough for dinner with family and friends afterwards in case you don't have time to change after the ceremony.
Dress to impress!
Make sure you are ready to be photo ready! When selecting graduation attire keep in mind that a cute but conservative outfit will boast a mature, adult look that you're about to embody. Choose something sassy, but still great and age appropriate.
Under your robe: the specifics!
Contrary to what you might think, it most definitely matters what you wear underneath your gown. Again, you may not have time to change after the ceremony so you want to look fabulous just in case you head out on the town directly following the ceremony. I strongly suggest a dress with pockets if you are not wearing pants. Carrying a purse will look awkward marching down the procession.
Wear something somewhat sleek. Your graduation smock is bulky enough, so a really full skirt will look strange under it. Look for relaxed-cute items that will be comfortable but will not add extra volume. And be sure to check the weather! Nothing will cramp your style quite like freezing (or burning up!) while you're try to listen to your valedictorian's speech. A light weight, white dress with a statement necklace to pop once your gown is back on the hanger is a prime example. If you wear earrings, be sure they match both your gown and the outfit underneath. Also, an elegant cocktail ring is a great and quirky way to add a little flair.
Consider footwear
Shoes are always my favorite part of any outfit and in this case, it's the only part of the outfit that isn't hidden from view. If your shoes are open-toe, be sure to paint your toenails with a coordinating color. (Like you need an excuse for a pedicure!) You'll want to wear something fancier than sandals but sky high stilettos are not the best choice either. Wedges are ideal (2-3 inches). You will look great and still be able to walk. Just be sure to break in your shoes before the big day and practice walking in them so you feel comfortable.
Hair and Makeup
A light and polished look with naturally accentuating colors will translate well from graduation gown to classy dress. A gentle wave if you have longer locks will go well with your cap by adding a little extra volume for when it finally goes flying!
When deciding what to wear for graduation, just remember, at the end of the day you are celebrating! Dress your best on this day so your photos will look timeless for years to come. 